AFTER FEARS HE might miss a head-to-head showdown with Douvan, Nicky Henderson has confirmed this morning that Altior will race in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
Altior was the odds-on favourite for Wednesdayโs feature race, but his participation was thrown into doubt when his trainer reported he was lame on Monday.
However, Henderson said he was pleased to report that his charge was โperfectly sound this morningโ and that it was โall systems goโ for the Champion Chase.
Altiorโs recovery sets up a fascinating three-way contest with Douvan and Min in what could be the race of the this yearโs festival.
The news was not so good for another Henderson horse this morning, however, with the ever-popular My Tent Or Yours ruled out of todayโs Champion Hurdle.
The 11-year old was a popular each-way choice for a race in which he has finished second three times in the past four years.
Altior loves the hill.
@Trev Gilmore: He will love it even more this year. Watch Douvan pass him.